CHSP’s international students enjoy pre-Thanksgiving feast, courtesy of Atrium Café

Nov 29, 2012By Jody Grenert

Ohio University's College of Health Sciences and Professions (CHSP) hosted a Thanksgiving feast last week for its international students, giving them a taste of this most American of holidays while they are away from home.

The feast drew about 45 guests to the Grover Center atrium on Nov. 20. CHSP's Atrium Café arranged a menu that included Thanksgiving staples such as turkey and dressing, as well as some culinary twists such as roasted local root vegetables, beet and goat cheese salads, and pumpkin cannoli.

Several CHSP faculty and staff members volunteered to help serve during the festivities.

The event was the brainchild of Fran McFadden, assistant professor of food and nutrition sciences and manager of CHSP's Atrium Café. McFadden organized a similar event for international students at Philadelphia's Drexel University, where he taught before coming to Athens in 2008.

"The Thanksgiving tradition in America continues to expand. It is an American holiday, yet it's a day to celebrate all cultures that make up the American spirit," McFadden said.